Claire Danes Underwent CIA Training For 'Homeland' Role

Claire Danes was given a crash course in CIA surveillance techniques when she met with a real-life spook while researching her role in Homeland.

The actress plays Central Intelligence Agency operative Carrie Mathison in the hit TV show, and told earlier this month how she fleshed out the character by holding talks with an actual secret agent.

Now, she's opened up about their meetings in Virginia and Washington, D.C., revealing the unnamed female agent gave her hints and tips on spying techniques.

Danes tells The Sunday Times Magazine, "We had lunch in D.C. and the first thing I noticed is that she spoke at a very low volume. We were in a bar... but she spoke very quietly. It is ingrained in spies to be as inconspicuous as possible."

"She was very bright, with an adventurous spirit - you need that - but I was taken aback by her candor and her forthcomingness... We went to a bar to see a band. The CIA woman said to me: 'OK, then, who is the lead singer's girlfriend? Where is she in the crowd?' Within seconds she'd cracked it."

"I couldn't see at all. But when she explained the thought processes, it wasn't that hard: of course, she was the girl with the camera in front of the stage. It tuned me in to their level of awareness."

Photo Credits: PR Photos
, CBS Corporation

Sign up for our daily newsletter with great stories like this and more!